Ep. 125 - Sensory Science and Consumer Research with Lumeng Jin, Senior Research Executive at MMR Research Worldwide

I met Lumeng Jin at the now discontinued Heart Healthy Competition in Chicago about 5 years ago. We participated in the same product development competition and kept in touch because that’s what you’re supposed to do as a student. In case you’re wondering, Lumeng’s team won that competition. I’m not bitter at all!

Anyways, I wanted Lumeng on the show because she’s on the side of the industry that doesn’t get so much love on the podcast. Sensory Science and Consumer Research are both super important career paths in the food industry because it’s the science that deciphers how people will respond to your product. I would say in the hands of a master, this is one of the most important things to know when it comes to product success.

Lumeng has worked many jobs and has even done her masters in this field and now lives in New York City where she conducts and analyzes large-scale consumer tests.

So get ready for an exciting episode where we talk about the importance of this field.

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Shownotes

What do you tell people in a sentence or less?: I do marketing research in food and household products Carrie Arndt – Follow her on LinkedIn makes really awesome graphics on brands Chobani rebrand infographics MMR Research has a lot of sensory research, market research, and global research Steps to take to where you are today: Bachelors in Food Science, Masters in Sensory My masters was in sensory. Tasters verses Non Tasters. I worked with Beverley Tever Sensory testing eliminates all the variables except a couple of them. Any best practices?: What are you really trying to achieve? What about consumer research?: You want to choose your target market. For example, people who love burgers need to be experts on burgers. We also need the environment to be fluid. What kind of statistics tests do you do?: In school, you do the test. Actually, in the real world, you get a statistician to work with you. Usually, food scientists will use ANOVA What kind of software do you use?: Red Jade (cloud based), Compusense (consumer panel) How do you capture sweetness/second?: Using software What was the funnest thing you’ve done?: We got samples of air fresheners in India How do migitiate client expectations: Work with the client and ask the right questions What do you look for most in a job?: I like working in a team. I work in an open environment. I enjoy collaborating to find a solution. I also look for career path and progression. Can you have room for growth on a certain company? Is it hard to ask questions?: Yes, but if it’s a healthy work environment, you should ask questions and people should want to help you What’s your favorite kitchen item?: Instant Pot! I made bone broth, for example. Amazon Echo The best thing you’ve ever eaten: Japanese food. In New York City, there’s a Japanese Hot pot place that has pig feet. Has collegen. Hakata Ton Ton. Any advice to get into the sensory industry?: Network with people in the sensory area. I go to the IFT sensory science division as a start. People are open to help. What I should have done in college: I should have talked to my professors about career aspects earlier. What would you tell yourself if you just started your job?: The world is not that scary Where can we find you for advice?: LinkedIn (inbox or email)

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